KATRA: In a deeply emotional moment that reflected the enduring bond between teacher and student, doctors at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital performed a complex knee replacement surgery on their former medical teacher nearly three decades after he taught them in medical college.
Eighty-one-year-old V. K. Dubey, former Head of the Department of Pathology at Government Medical College Jammu, underwent a Total Knee Replacement in February 2026. The surgery was performed by Vikas Padha, a senior joint replacement surgeon at the hospital, while Pankaj Gupta, senior consultant in anaesthesia, managed the anaesthesia and perioperative care.
For the two doctors, the surgery carried deep emotional significance. Three decades earlier, they had been students in Prof. Dubey’s classroom, learning the fundamentals of pathology. Performing the life-changing procedure on their mentor was described by them as the ultimate Guru Dakshina—a way of repaying their teacher through the very skills he had helped nurture.
Hospital officials said the incident also reflects the growing trust of the medical fraternity in the advanced facilities available at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, established under the aegis of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.
Executive Director of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence, Yashpal Sharma, said the Shrine Board’s vision has been to build a healthcare institution that commands complete trust. He noted that when senior doctors and medical teachers themselves choose the facility for their treatment, it is a strong validation of the hospital’s technology, clinical expertise and safety standards.
Facility Director M. M. Mathavan described the surgery as a proud and emotional moment for the institution, highlighting the dedication of the medical team and the values of respect and gratitude in the medical profession.
Prof. Dubey is now recovering well after the surgery, demonstrating how advanced medical care combined with the commitment of skilled doctors can significantly improve quality of life, even in advanced age.
